BS in Teaching Science, Grades 7-12, Initial Certification

This bachelor's degree will prepare you to teach biology, chemistry, earth science, or physics in middle and high schools. As a science teacher, you'll inspire students to take a deeper interest in understanding the world, help them experience the challenge of understanding natural phenomena, and encourage aptitudes that can lead to careers in science, teaching, or research.

This program leads to eligibility for initial teaching certification in grades 7-12 in New York and most other states. The program also permits you to teach science to grades 5 and 6.

How you'll learn

Science, Education, and Liberal ArtsYou will take all your science courses, as well as the humanities and social science courses required for the liberal arts core, in NYU’s College of Arts and Science. At NYU Steinhardt, you'll take courses in methods for teaching science and adapting curricula for multicultural urban schools.

A Small Program with Constant FeedbackOur program is small, allowing you to have one-on-one academic and professional counseling with our faculty. We also integrate peer feedback and evaluation into the learning process: You will review and critique tapes of your and other students’ teaching sessions in seminars so you can reflect on and develop your teaching techniques.

Student Teaching in New York City SchoolsYou will complete extensive fieldwork (100 hours) prior to student teaching for two semesters in New York City public or independent schools selected for their diverse student population. Recent student teaching placements have been in Beacon High School, East Side Middle School, Landmark High School, University Neighborhood Middle School, and the Institute for Community Education. Student teaching placements frequently lead to full-time employment upon graduation.

Financial Support for Master's StudyIf you’re interested in graduate study, we offer generous Scholarships for Advanced Study to graduating seniors who want to continue on for a master's degree in NYU Steinhardt's Teaching and Learning Department.

Prepare for a career as a

Teacher of science in middle and high schools, grades 7-12, and in elementary schools, grades 5 and 6

Science curriculum specialist, developer, or evaluator

Science program coordinator in schools and school districts

Science artist and illustrator for children's books

Instructor at museums, halls of science, and zoos

Student teaching placements frequently lead to full-time employment upon graduation.

Program benefits for international students

If you’re an international student, you may be able to work in the United States after graduation for an extended period of time. Most students studying on F-1 visas will be eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) off-campus work authorization.

F-1 students in this program may also be eligible for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) OPT extension, allowing you to extend your time in the United States to pursue degree-related work experience for a total of 36 months or 3 years.